Questions and Answers 



. for . . 



Catechetical Instruction, 



i 



FOR 



tbe Sunfcaip Scbool anfc tbe Ibome. 

J A Short Explanation of Dr. M. Luther's Small Catechism. 



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By order of the German Literary Board of the Wartburg and 
Nebraska Lutheran Synods, edited 

by E. Ortlepp. 



German Literary Board, Burlington, la. 

1900. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Oliap.B X* Copyright Jtfo.SQ.7j3 

smlL,_12i 7 

L^CLfl 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Questions and Answers 



FOR . 



Catechetical Instruction, 



FOR 



the £unfca$ School ant) tbe Ibome, 

A Short Explanation of Dr. M. Luther's Small Catechism, 



By order of the German Literary Board of the Wartburg and 
Nebraska Lutheran Synods, edited 

by E. Ortlepp. 



German Literary Board, Burlington, la 

1900. 



84433 



Library of Concrresa 

Two Copies Received 
DEC 5 1900 

Copyright entry 

SECOND COPY 

Oetivwed to 
ORDER DIVISION 

DEC 101900 






70 

07 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1900, 

By REV. E. ORTLEPP, 

in trust for the German literary Board of the Wartburg and Nebraska 

Lutheran Synods, in the office of the librarian of 

Congress at Washington, D. C. 



A. Wiebusch & Son Prtg. Co., St. I<ouis, Mo. 



Holy Writ. 

i. What is to be our foremost care in life ? 
That we be saved and inherit eternal life. 
Phil. 2, 12.: Work out jour own salvation with fear and 

trembling. 

2. How can we be saved ? 

When we go the way of salvation as shown to us 

by God. 

3. How do we learn to know God ? 

From the works of nature, but especially from the 
Word of God. 

Ps. 19, 1—3. Job. 12, 7 — 9. Rom. 1, 19 — 20. 

(True and false religion; natural and revealed religion.) 

4. Where does God reveal the way of salvation ? 

In the Holy Scriptures, also called the Bible, which 

is the Word of God. 

John 5, 39: Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye 
have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

5. Through whom did God give his word ? 

Through the prophets, the evangelists, and the 

apostles, who were inspired by the Holy Ghost. 

2. Pet. 1, 21 : Holy men of God spake as they were moved by 
the Holy Ghost. 

6. Into what parts is the Bible divided ? 
Into the Old Testament which was originally written 
in the Hebrew language, and into the New Testament 
which was written in the Greek language. 

7. How are the books of both Testaments divided ? 
Into historical, doctrinal, and prophetical books e 

2 



8. Which are the Historical books of the Old Testament ? 
The 17 historical books of the Old Testament are: 

The 5 books of Moses, also called the Pentateuch ; 
namely, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and 
Deuteronomy; Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First and Second 
Samuel, First and Second Kings, First and Second 
Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. 

9. Which are the Doctrinal books of the Old Testament ? 
The 5 doctrinal books of the Old Testament are : 

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or the Preacher, 
and the Song of Solomon. 

10. Which are the Prophetical books of the Old Testament ? 
The 17 prophetical books of the Old Testament are: 

The 4 greater prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah and his Lamen- 
tations, Ezekiel, and Daniel ; and the 4 lesser prophets , 
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, 
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 

11. Which are the Historical books of the New Testament ? 
The 5 historical books of the New Testament are : 

The 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John ; 
and the Acts of the Apostles written by Luke. 

12. Which are the Doctrinal books of the New Testament ? 
The 21 doctrinal books of the New Testament are : 

The Epistles of St. Paul, to- wit: To the Romans, first 
and second to the Corinthians, to the Galatians, Ephe- 
sians, Philippians, Colossians, first and second to the 
Thessalonians, first and second to Timothy, one to 
Titus and one to Philemon; first and second Epistles 
of Peter, first, second and third of John; Hebrews, 
James, and Jude. 



— 7 — 

13. Which is the Prophetical book of the New Testament ? 
The prophetical book of the New Testament is the 
Revelation of St. John. 

14. How many books are in the Bible ? 
66 in all ; namely, 39 in the Old Testament, and 27 
in the New Testament. 

2. Tim. 3, 15: From a child thou hast known the Holy Script- 
ures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation 
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. — Hymn: "Father 
of mercies, in Thy word." 

15. In which book do we find a short summary of the principal 
doctrines of the Bible ? 

In Dr. Martin Luther's Smaller Catechism. 

16. How is Luther's Catechism divided ? 
Into five parts. 

17 Of What Does the First Part Treat? 

Of the Law or the Ten Commandments. 
18. Through whom did God give the Ten Commandments ? 
Through his servant Moses, on Mt. Sinai. 
The Law declared, Exod. 20. 

19. What do the Ten Commandments teach ? 
The first three commandments teach the love to- 
ward God, the other seven commandments teach the 
love toward the neighbor. 

Mat. 22, 37 — 39: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 
This is the first and great commandment. And the second 
is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 



The First Commandment : 

I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no 
other gods before me. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 

We should fear, love, and trust in God above all 
things. 

20. What does the first commandment forbid ? 

Literal and spiritual idolatry. 

21. What is literal idolatry ? 

The worship of false gods or idols. 

The golden calf, Exod 32. 

22. What is spiritual idolatry ? 

Loving or fearing anything more than God. 

The rich young man, Mrc. 10, 17 — 27. The rich man, Luke 
16, 19 — 31. Mat. 10,37: He that loveth father or mother 
more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son 
or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 

23. What is required by the first commandment ? 

That we should fear, love, and trust in God above 

all things, 

24. What is it to fear God above all things ? 

To remember God's wrath against sin, and obey 
him as beloved children. 

Joseph in Potiphar's house, Gen. 39. 

25. What is it to love God above all things ? 

That we prize God as our chief delight, and gladly 

do His will. 

Abraham, Gen. 22. 

26. What is it to trust in God above all things ? 
To commit body and soul entirely into God's care 
for time and eternity. 

Take no thought, Mt. 6, 25 — 34. Psalm 23. 



— 9 — 

27. Are heathen also to obey this commandment ? 
Yes, as well as all the commandments. 

28. How can we tell the heathen of the true God ? 
Through the work of Foreign Mission. 

(Mission festivals, offerings). Mt. 28, 18—20. 
Isaiah 42, 8: I am the Lord; that is my name; and my glory 
will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven 
images. 

The Second Commandment: 
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy 
God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guilt- 
less that taketh his name in vain. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 

We should so fear and love God as not to curse, 
swear, conjure, lie or deceive, by his name, but call 
upon him in every time of need, and worship him 
with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. 

29. What does the second commandment forbid ? 
The taking in vain of God's name. 

Mat. i2 ; 36: T say unto you, that every idle word that men 
shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of 
judgement. 

30. What is it to curse by the name of God ? 
To call upon ourselves or others the wrath of God 
in a blasphemous way, 

Shimei, 2. Sam. 16, 5 — 13. 

31. What is it to swear by the name of God ? 
To call upon God to be a witness and judge. 

32. What swearing is permitted ? 
The swearing in Court. (Oath.) 
Jesus before the priests, Mat. 26, 59—64. 



— 10 — 

33^ What swearing is forbidden ? 
False swearing in Court (perjury), and every 
thoughtless and blasphemous use of God's name. 

Herod, Mat. 14, 6 — 10. Peter's denial, Mat. 26, 69 — 75. 

34. What is it to conjure by the name of God ? 
Superstitiously to seek communion with spirits and 
by their aid try to do miracles or try to disclose what 
God has concealed from us. 

The magicians of Egypt, Exod. 7. The witch at Endor, 1. 
Sam. 28. 
35. What is it to lie and deceive by the name of God ? 

To use God's Word and name hypocritically, or for 
evil ends. 

Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5, 1 — 11. The Pharisees, Mat. 22, 
34—40- 
36. What does the second commandment require of us ? 

To utter God's name with holy fear, and to worship 
him with a believing heart. 
Ps. 9; 2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise 

to thy name, O thou Most High. 

The Third Commandment: 
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 

We should so fear and love God as not to despise 
his word and the preaching of the gospel, but deem 
it holy, and willingly hear and learn it. 

37. What is the Sabbath day ? 

A day of rest and worship ; the Lord's da} r . 

38. Which day was kept holy in the Old Testament ? 

The seventh day; because God made the world in 
six days and rested on the seventh day. 
Gen. 2, 1 — 3. 



— 11 — 

39« Why do we observe the first day, called Sunday ? 
Because Christ rose from the dead on that day. 
Mat. 28, 1— S. 
40. What other days, besides Sunday, do we observe ? 

Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension, and 
Pentecost. 

41. What other festival days has the Church yet ? 

Advent, New Year, Ephiphany, Maundy Thursday, 
the festival of the Holy Trinity, the Reformation festival. 
(Thanksgiving day, Harvest festival.) 

42. What does the term "keep holy'' signify ? 
To set apart for the service of God. 

43. How is the Lord's day kept holy ? 

By hearing, learning, and keeping, the word of God in 
the Church and at home. 
Luke 11, 28: Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and 

keep it. — The boy Jesus in the temple, Luke 2, 41 — 52. 

The parable of the sower and the seed, Mat. 13, 1 — 23. 

44. How is the Lord's day profaned ? 

By neglecting divine service, by worldly labor and 
pleasure. 

45. What works are permitted on the Lord's day ? 

Works of mercy and of necessity. 

The Fourth Commandment; 

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God 
giveth thee. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 

We should so fear and love God as not to despise 
nor displease our parents and superiors, but honor, 
serve, obey, love, and esteem them. 



- 12 — 

46. Who are our parents and superiors ? 
Father and mother or their representatives ; the 
pastor, the teacher, the magistrates, our employers, and 
the aged. 

Heb. 13, 17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and sub- 
mit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that 
must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not 
with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 

47. What is forbidden to children ? 

They should not despise nor displease their parents 
and superiors. 
The sons of Eli, 1. Sam. 2, 22 — 25. Absalom, 2. Sam. 15, 1 — 12. 

48. What is required by the fourth commandment ? 

That children should be pious, obedient, diligent 

and modest. 

The boy Jesus at home, Luke 2, 51—52. Samuel, 1. Sam. 3, 
1 — 10. 

49. What promise has this commandment ? 

That thy days may be long upon the land which the 
Lord thy God giveth thee. 
Eph. 6, 2 — 3: Honor thy father and mother; which is the first 

commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee 

and thou mayest live long on the earth. 

The Fifth Commandment: 

Thou shalt not kill. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 
We should so fear and love God as not to do our 
neighbor any bodily harm or injury, but rather assist 
and comfort him in danger and want. 

50. How is the fifth commandment transgressed ? 
Directly and indirectly. 



— 13 — 

51. How is it directly transgressed ? 
By committing murder or suicide. 
Cain, Gen, 4, 3 — 12. Saul, 1. Sam. 31, 1—6. Jezebel, 1. Kings 
21, 1 — 14. Herod, Mat. 14, 6 — 10. Judas, Luke 22, 1 — 6; 
Mat. 27, 3—5. (Lynching, War.) 

52. How is it indirectly transgressed ? 
By endangering body, soul or salvation of oneself or 
others; or by ruining one's life through malice, hatred, 
envy, wrath, revenge, or vices. 

Joseph's brethren, Gen. 37. False prophets, Mat. 7, 15 — 23. 
1. John 3, 15: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. 
Mat. 18, 6—7. 

53. May criminals be sentenced to death by the Court ? 
Yes. The word of God says: Whoso sheddeth 
man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. 

Gen. 9, 6. (Self-Defense. ) 
54. What does the fifth commandment require ? 
That we should assist and comfort our neighbor in 
danger and want. 

The good Samaritan, Luke 10, 30 — 37. (Deaconesswork. 
Orphans Homes.) Isai. 58, 7: Is it not (acceptable to the 
Lord) to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring 
the poor that are cast out to thy house ? when thou seest 
the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not 
thyself from thine own flesh. 

The Sixth Commandment: 
Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 
We should so fear and love God as to be chaste 
and pure in our words and deeds, each one also loving 
and honoring his wife or her husband. 



— 14 — 

55» What is forbidden in this commandment ? 
Adultery and an unchaste life. 
Herodias, Mat. 14, 6 — 10. 

56. What is marriage ? 
Marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a 
woman to live together as husband and wife until separ- 
ated by death. 

57. Who instituted marriage ? 
God himself, in Paradise, between Adam and Eve. 

58. How is marriage to be entered into ? 
Reverently, discreetly, in the fear of God, and with 
the blessings of the Church through the minister. 

9. What is forbidden to the married and unmarried alike ? 
Unchaste and impure thoughts, words, and deeds. 
60. What sins lead to the transgression of this commandment? 
Intemperance, idleness, bad company, indecent 
books and pictures, and all vices. 

Gal. 5, 16: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust 
of the flesh. 

61. What does the sixth commandment require ? 
Pure thoughts, pure words, pure deeds : a pure heart ! 
Mat. 5, 8: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

The Seventh Commandment: 
Thou shalt not steal. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 
We should so fear and love God, as not to rob our 
neighbor of his money or property, or bring it into 
our possession by unfair dealing or fraudulent means, 
but rather assist him to improve and protect it. 



- 15 - 

62. How is the seventh commandment broken ? 
By theft and dishonesty. 

63. What is theft ? 
To rob our neighbor of his property by force or 
craftiness. 

Achan, Josh. 7. 

64. What is dishonesty ? 

To rob our neighbor of his property by unfair 
dealings, or fraudulent means. 

Gehazi ; 2. Kings 5, 20 — 27. The unjust steward, Luke 16, 1 — 7. 
65. How shall we use our property ? 
For our own support, to aid the poor, and to build 
the Kingdom of God. 

The widow's mites, Marc 12, 41 — 44. 1. John 3, 17: Whoso 
hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, 
and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how 
dwelleth the love of God in him ? 

66. What does the seventh commandment teach ? 
That we are God's stewards, and God will, therefore, 
demand an account of us in the last judgement. 

The Eighth Commandment: 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 

We should so fear and love God, as not deceitfully 
to belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports 
against our neighbor; but apologize for him, speak 
well of him, and put the most charitable construction 
on all his actions. 

67. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment ? 

All untruth. (White lies.) 
Eph. 4,25: Putting away lying, speak every man truth with 
his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 



— 16 — 
68. What is it to belie deceitfully ? 

To tell a falsehood maliciously. 
The false witnesses against Naboth, i. Kings 21. 

69. What is meant by the word betray ? 

Trying to harm our neighbor through dishonest acts 
and words. 

Judas Iscariot; Luk. 22 ; 1 — 6. 

70. What is meant by the word slander ? 

To speak evil of the absent, or to injure his good 
name by false reports. 

Psalm 15, 1—3. Mat. 12, 24. 

71. What is rather required of us ? 

To apologize for our neighbor, to speak and think 
well of him. (Sins of the tongue.) 

Jonathan, 1. Sam. 20, 25 — 34. James 3, 5 — 10. 

The Ninth Commandment: 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 
We should so fear and love God, as not to desire 
by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's in- 
heritance or home, or to obtain it under the pretext 
of a legal right, but be ready to assist and serve him 
in the preservation of his own. 

72. What does the ninth commandment forbid ? 

The sinful desire for our neighbor's property. 
Naboth's vineyard, 1. Kings 21. 



— IT — 

73. Against what sins must we here take heed ? 
Against envy, covetousness, discontent, despair, 
usury, swindle, and the like. 

I. Tim. 6 y 6 — 8: Godliness with contentment is a great gain. 
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain 
we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, 
let us be therewith content. 

74. What does the ninth commandment require ? 

To assist our neighbor in the preservation of his own. 
Abraham and Lot, Gen. 14, n — 16. 

The Tenth Commandment: 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor 
his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, 
nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's. 

What is meant by this commandment ? 
We should so fear and love God, as not to alienate 
our neighbor's wife from him, entice away his serv- 
ants, nor let loose his cattle; but use our endeavors 
that they may remain and discharge their duty to him. 

75. What does the tenth commandment forbid ? 

The sinful desire for our neighbor's family and 

his live property. 

76. What is it to alienate ? 

To take away by force or craftiness, or to influence 
our neighbor so that he yields his own, though unwil- 
lingly. 

77. What is it to entice ? 

To tempt the wife, children, or servants, of our 
neighbor to unfaithfulness. 
Prov. 1, 10: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 



— 18 — 

yS. What does the tenth commandment require ? 
That we live and act so as not to disturb, but rather 
help, the happiness and peace of our neighbor's home. 

The Conclusion : 

What does God declare concerning all these commandments ? 

He says: I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, 
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 
unto the third and fourth generation of them that 
hate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands of them 
that love me, and keep my commandments. 

What is meant by this declaration ? 

God threatens to punish all those who transgress 
these commandments. We should, therefore, dread 
his displeasure, and not act contrarily to these com- 
mandments. But he promises grace and every bless- 
ing to all who keep them. We should, therefore, love 
and trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has com- 
manded us. 

79. What does the conclusion contain ? 

A threat and a promise. 

80. What is threatened ? 
God will surely punish sin. 
The deluge, Gen. 6. Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19, 23 — 29. 
Jerusalem, Luke 19, 41 — 44. 

81. What is sin ? 
Sin is the transgression of God's law in thoughts, 
words, or deeds. (Sin of commission and omission.) 

S2. What is promised ? 
Grace and blessings forever to them that keep these 
commandments. 



— 19 — 

83. Was ever any man able to keep all the commandments ? 

No. All have sinned and come short of the glory 
of God. 

Rom. 3 ; 12: They are all gone out of the way, they are together 
become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, 
not one. 

84. What have all men merited, therefore ? 

Punishment in time and eternity. 
Rom. 4, 15 : The Law worketh wrath. 

85. Is there no salvation for us ? 
Aye, through faith in Jesus Christ we shall be sav ed 

86. Of what use, then, are the commandments ? 
They are to point out our sin and helplessness, and 
to bring us to Jesus. 

Rom. 3, 20: By the law is the knowledge of sin. 
Gal. 3, 24: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring 
us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 
Hymn: "Not all the blood of beasts on Jewish Altars slain." 



37 Of What Does the Second Part Treat? 

Of the Creed, or the Articles of the Christian 
Faith, also called the Apostles' Creed. 

88. What is a Creed ? 
A short statement of what the Church believes and 

teaches. 

89. Why is it called Apostles' Creed ? * 

Because it contains the chief doctrines of the 

Apostles. 

90. How is the Creed divided ? 

Into three articles. 



— 20 — 

9 i. Of What Does the First Article Treat? 

OF CREATION: 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth. 

What is meant by this article ? 
I believe that God has created me and all that 
exists ; that he has given and still preserves to me my 
body and soul with all my limbs and senses, my rea- 
son and all the faculties of my mind, together with 
my raiment, food, home, and family, and all my prop- 
erty; that he daily provides me abundantly with all 
the necessaries of life, protects me from all danger, 
and preserves me and guards me against all evil; all 
which he does out of pure, paternal, and divine good- 
ness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in 
me; for all which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, 
serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true. 
92. Who created the world ? 
God the Father. 

93. What does the word create signify ? 

To make something out of nothing, through the 
word alone. 

Gen. 1, 3. Heb. 11, 3. 
Psalm 115, 3: Our God is in the heavens; he hath done what- 
soever he hath pleased. 

94. Is man also able to create ? 
No, because he has not the attributes of God. 

95. What are some of the attributes of God ? 
Eternity, omnipotence, omnipresence, Wisdom, om- 
niscience, Love, Justice, Holiness, Truth, Unchange- 
ableness, Goodness, Mercy. 

96. What rational beings did God create ? 
Angels and men. 



— 21 — 

97. What are angels ? 

Created spirits who dwell with God and fulfill his 
commands. 

Hebr. i, 14: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to 
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation ? — 
Psalm 34, 7. Ps. 91, 11. 
98. Did all angels continue in the holiness in which they were 

created ? 
No, many fell from God and have become evil 
angels. 

2. Pet. 2, 4. Jude 6. 

99. Who is the chief of the evil angels ? 

The Devil, also called Satan, Beelzebub, the old 
Serpent. 

Mat. 25, 41. 

100. How many men did God create in the beginning ? 
Two ; Adam and Eve. 

101. In whose likeness were they created ? 
In the image of God. 

102. In what state were the first men ? 

In the state of innocence, righteousness, holiness, 
happiness, immortality, and freedom. 

103. Is man still in that original state ? 

No* By falling into sin the image of God has 
been impaired. 

104. How did sin come into the world ? 

Through the disobedience of Adam and Eve when 
deceived by the devil. 

105. In what state are we now ? 
In the state of sin and misery, sickness and death. 
Rom. 5, 12: As by one man sin entered into the world, and 
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that 
all have sinned. 



— 22 - 

106. What two kinds of sin do we distinguish ? 
Original sin and actual sin. 

107. What is original sin ? 
The inborn depravity of our nature as we inherit 

it from Adam. 

108. What is actual sin ? 

The sin committed by us in thoughts, words, and 
deeds* 

109. Has God abandoned the world because of our sin ? 
No, in his goodness and mercy God preserves and 
governs yet the whole world and every man. 
Psalm 118, 1: O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; 
because his mercy endureth forever. 

no. Wherein is God's mercy especially manifest ? 
In this, that God redeemed the world through his 

Son. 

John 3 ; 16. Creation and Fall, Gen. 1. 2. 3. 



in. Of What Does the Second Article 

Treat? 

OF REDEMPTION: 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord ; 
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the 
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was 
crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; 
the third day He rose again from the dead; He 
ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand 
of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall 
come to judge the quick and the dead. 



— 23 - 

What is meant by this article ? 
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of 
the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of 
the Virgin Mary, is my Lord ; who has redeemed me, 
a lost and condemned creature, secured and delivered 
me from all sns, from death, and from the power of 
the devil, not with silver and gold, but with His holy 
and precious blood, and with His innocent sufferings 
and death ; in order that I might be His, live under 
Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting 
righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as He 
is risen from the dead, and lives and reigns to all 
eternity. This is most certainly true. 

112. What is meant by the name Jesus Christ ? 
Jesus means, Savior from sin, or Redeemer ; Christ 
means the Anointed. 

Mat. i, 21. — Acts 4, 12: Neither is there salvation in any 
other: for there is none other name under heaven given 
among men, whereby we must be saved. 

113. Who is Jesus Christ ? 
The Son of God and Mary, true God and true 
man in one person. 

The Birth of Christ, Luke 2, 1—20. 

114. What offices has Christ ? 
The office of Prophet, Priest, and King. 

115. Why is Christ our prophet ? 
Because he reveals to us the will of the Father and 
the way of salvation. 

Heb. 1, 1 — 2: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners 
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath 
in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. 



- 24 — 

n6. Why is Christ our Priest ? 
Because he died a sacrifice for us and makes 
intercession for us before God. 
Sufferings and Death, Mat. 26. 27. John 1, 29: Behold the 

Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! 
1. John i, 7: The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us 
from all sin. 

Hymn: O sacred Head! now wounded. 

117. Why is Christ our King ? 
Because he preserves and governs us in the king- 
dom of nature, grace, and glory. 

John i8, 37: Thou sayest that I am a King. Mat. 28, 18: All 
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

118. What two states of Christ do we distinguish ? 
The state of humiliation and the state of exaltation. 
Phil 2, 8— 11. 

119. What is the state of Christ's humiliation ? 
Everything from the coming into our flesh to the 
burial of the Lord, as : conception and birth, poverty, 
lowliness, the temptation of the devil, sufferings and 
death. 

2. Cor. 8, 9. 

120. What is the state of Christ's exaltation ? 
The Descent into hell, the Resurrection and Ascen- 
sion, and His Coming to Judgement. 
Ascension, Acts 1, 4 — 12. 

Hymn: Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious. 

121. What has Christ done for us ? 
He has delivered us from sin, from death, and 
from the power of the "devil. 



— 25 — 

122. Wherewith has Christ redeemed us ? 

Not with silver and gold, but with his holy and 

precious blood, and with his innocent sufferings and 

death. 

123. What is the purpose of our salvation ? 

That we might be his, live under him in his king- 
dom, and serve him in "everlasting righteousness, in- 
nocence, and blessedness. 

124. How can these blessings become ours ? 
By the living, saving faith in Jesus Christ. 
Hymn: Just as I am ; without one plea. 

125. Are we able to come to Jesus, or believe in him ; by our 

own strength? 

No, the Holy Spirit must accomplish it within us. 



126. Of What Does the Third Article Treat? 

OF SANCTIFICATION : 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian 
(Catholic) Church; the Communion of Saints; the 
Forgiveness of sins ; the Ressurrection of the body ; 
and the Life everlasting. Amen. 

What is meant by this article ? 

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or 
strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to 
him; but the Holy Ghost has called me through the 
gospel, enlightened me by his gifts, and sanctified 
and preserved me in the true faith ; in like manner 
as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the 
whole Christian Church on earth, and preserves it in 
union with Jesus Christ in the true faith ; in which 
Christian Church he daily forgives abundantly all my 



— 26 — 

sins, and the sins of all believers, and will raise up 
me and all the dead at the last day, and will grant 
everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. 
This is most certainly true. 

127. Who sanctifies us ? 
The Holy Spirit, also called the Comforter and the 
Spirit of Truth. 
John ig 9 26. 

128. Who is the Holy Spirit ? 

He is true God,' in like manner as the Father and 
the Son. 

Mat. 28, 19. Acts 2, 4. 2. Cor. 13, 14. 

129. Are these, then, three Gods in whom we believe ? 

No, we believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, one God in three persons. 
130. What is the work of the Holy Spirit ? 

He calls, enlightens, sanctifies and preserves us in 
the faith of Christ. (Order of salvation.) 

131. How are men called by the Holy Spirit ? 

Through the preaching of the gospel in all the 
world. 

The great supper, Luk. 14, 16 — 24. Peter on Pentecost, Acts 2. 
Cornelius, Acts 10. 

132. How are men enlightened by the Holy Spirit ? 

Through the law he convinces them of sin and 
condemnation, but through the gospel of the salvation 
which is in Christ Jesus. 
David 2. Sam. 12. The publican Luk. 18, 9 — 14. Paul, Acts 9. 

133. What must take place if the Holy Spirit is to save us ? 
We must be born again. 
Tohn 3, 3: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the 
kingdom of God 



— 27 — 

134- What is regeneration ? 
It is the new nature which the Holy Spirit imparts 
by uniting us with Christ. 

2. Cor. 5, 17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become 
new. 

Hymn: Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove. 

I 35» What do we say of a man whom the H Spirit has 

brought to Jesus ? 
We call him converted. 

136. What is conversion ? 
Turning away from sin to God. 
The prodigal son, Luk. 15. 

137. What is necessary in conversion ? 

Repentance and faith. 
Mark 1, 15: Repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

138. What is repentance ? 
To acknowledge, confess and lament our sins, and 
to implore God's pardoning mercy. 

Psalm 51, i — 2: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to 
thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy 
tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thor- 
oughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 
Hymn : Rock of Ages, cleft for me. 
139. What is faith in Jesus ? 
Trusting in Him alone as in the only Savior. 
140. What does God do to them that believe in Jesus ? 
God justifies them. 

141. What is justification ? 
Justification is an act of God wherein he declares 
us free from guilt and punishment and bestows the 
righteousness of Jesus. 

2. Cor. 5, 21. Phil. 3, 9. Rom. 5, 1: Being justified by faith, 
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 



— 28 — 

142. How does the Holy Spirit sanctify us ? 
He strengthens us to live a godly life. 
143. Can we on earth live entirely free from sin ? 

No, not until we are in heaven. 
144. How does the Holy Spirit preserve us in the true faith ? 
He enables us to continue faithful to Jesus unto 

the end. 

Stephen, Acts 7. 2. Tim. 4, 7—8. 

145. By what means does the Holy Spirit work ? 

By the means of grace which are the word of 

God and the holy Sacraments. 

146. Where do we find the means of grace ? 

In the Church of Jesus Christ. 

147. What is the Church ? 

The Church is the communion of all those who 

believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. 

148. Where is this Church ? 

Wherever the word of God is taught in its truth 

and purity and where the sacraments are administered 

according to the will of Christ. 

149. Why to we keep ourselves to the Lutheran Church ? 
Because the Lutheran Church teaches the word of 
God most purely and administers the sacraments most 
faithfully. 

150. What gift of the Holy Spirit do we receive in the Church ? 
The forgiveness of sins. 

151. Does God ever cease to forgive sins ? 
Yes, when the day of grace is ended. 
Psalm 95, 7 — 8: Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not 
your heart. 



— 29 — 

152. How long does our day of grace last ? 

Generally until death ; with the wilful sinner until 

he hardens his heart ; but for mankind until the last 
day. 

Pharao, Exod. 10. Heb. 6, 4—6. 

153. What will take place on the last day ? 

Christ comes again in glory to judge the world. 
Mat. 25, 31—46. 
154. What shall then be done with those whose sins are not 

forgiven ? 

They shall go away into everlasting punishment, 
but the righteous into life eternal. 
2. Cor. 5, 10: We must all appear before the judgement seat 

of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in 

his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be 

good or bad. 

155 Of What Does the Third Part Treat? 

Of the Lord's Prayer. 

156. What is prayer ? 

Prayer is a holy communing of the heart with 
God. 

Psalm 19, 14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation 
of my heart, be acceptable in thy sights O Lord, my 
strength, and my redeemer. 

157. What kinds of prayer do we distinguish ? 
The prayer of thanksgiving, praise, and supplication. 

158. For what are we to thank God ? 
For all material and spiritual benefits. 

159. For what may we ask God ? 
For all things that pertain to the glory of God, 
to the salvation of souls, and to our own temporal and 
ternal welfare. 



— 30 — 

160. For whom should we pray ? 
For ourselves, for our friends and enemies, for the 
Church, for our country and its magistrates, and for 
all men. (General Church Prayer.) 

161. Which is the greatest prayer ? 

The "Lord's Prayer" given by the Lord Jesus 
himself. 

Mat. 6, 5—13. 

162. How is the Lord's Prayer divided ? 
Into introduction, seven petitions, and conclusion. 



163. What is the Introduction? 
Our Father who art in heaven. 

What is meant by this Introduction ? 

God would thereby affectionately encourage us to 
believe that he is truly our Father, and that we are 
his children indeed, so that we may call upon him 
with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved 
children entreat their affectionate parent. 

164. Why do we call God our "Father" ? 

1. Because God has created us, 

2. Because God preserves and protects us every day, 

3. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus. 
165. Why do we pray "our" father instead of "my" father ? 

Because we are all children of One father, and we 
ought to pray for each other. 



166. What is the First Petition? 
Hallowed be thy name. 



— 31 — 

What is meant by this petition ? 

The name of God is indeed holy in itself ; but we 
pray in this petition, that it may be hallowed also 
by us. 

How is this effected ? 

When the word of God is taught in its truth and 
purity, and we, as the children of God, lead holy lives, 
in accordance with it. To this may our blessed Father 
in heaven help us ! But whoever teaches and lives 
otherwise than as God's Word prescribes, profanes 
the name of God among us. From this preserve is, 
Heavenly Father ! 

167. What do we pray for in this petition ? 

That the name of God be hallowed. 

16S. Why should we hallow the name of God ? 

1. Because God is a glorious King whom we ought 
not to insult ; 

2. Because God is our faithful friend whom we 
ought not to offend ; 

3. Because God is our only refuge which we ought 
not to despise. 

169. How is the name of God hallowed ? 

When the word of God is taught in its truth and 
purity and we live a godly life. 

170. How is the name of God profaned ? 
Through false doctrine and a godless life. 



171. What is the Second Petition? 
Thy Kingdom come. 

What is meant by this petition ? 
The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, with- 
out our prayer ; but we pray in this petition that it 
may come unto us also. 



- 32 — 

When is this effected ? 
When our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, 
so that by his grace we believe his holy word, and 
live a godly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever. 

172. What kingdom shall come ? 
The Kingdom of grace, that is, the Church, and 
the kingdom of glory which comes at the end. 

173. Unto whom shall the kingdom of God come ? 
Unto us and unto all nations. 

174. How does the kingdom of God come unto us ? 
When the Holy Spirit grants true faith and a 

godly life in us. 

175. How may the kingdom of God come to all nations ? 
The christians are to go forth as missionaries, or 
by their gifts help to preach the gospel. 

Mat. 28, 19 — 20. (Foreign Mission. Home Mission.) 
Hymn : Hasten, Lord, the glorious time. 

176. What is the Third Petition ? 
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 

What is meant by this petition ? 

The good and gracious will of God is done indeed 
without our prayer ; but we pray in this petition that 
it may be done by us also. 

When is this effected ? 

When God frustrates and brings to nought every 
evil counsel and purpose, which would hinder us from 
hallowing the name of God, and prevent his kingdom 
from coming to us, such as the will of the devil, of 
the world, and of our own flesh; and when he strength- 
ens us, and keeps us steadfast in his word and in the 
faith, even unto our end. This is his gracious and 
good will. 



— 33 — 

i77« What is the good and gracious will of God ? 
That all men should be saved and have eternal life. 
i. Tim. 2, 4: God will have all men to be saved, and to come 
unto the knowledge of the truth. 

178. Who opposes the will of God ? 
The devil, the world, and our flesh. 

179. What do we pray for, therefore ? 
That God deliver us from the devil, guide us in 
this world, and grant us an obedient heart to do his 
will. 

180. What is the Fourth Petition? 
Give us this day our daily bread. 

What is meant by this petition ? 
God. gives indeed without our prayer even to the 
wicked also their daily bread; but we pray in this 
petition that he would make us sensible of his benefits 
and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanks- 
giving. 

What is implied in the words: "our daily bread" ? 
All things that pertain to the wants and the sup- 
port of this present life; such as food, raiment, money, 
goods, house and land, and other property; a believ- 
ing wife and good children; trustworthy servants and 
faithful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and 
health, education and honor, true friends, good neigh- 
bors, and the like. 

181. How often should we pray this petition ? 
Every day, especially at meals. (Prayer at the 
table. Family worship.) 

182. Does God grant godless men their daily bread also ? 
Yes, out of paternal goodness and mercy. 
Mat. 5, 45: He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on^the 
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 



— 34 — 

183. But why should we nevertheless pray for it ? 
Because every good gift comes from God, because 
we should also pray for our brethren in their need, and 
because we glorify God by thus praying. 
James 1, 17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from 
above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with 
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 



184. What is the Fifth Petition? 

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those who trespass against us. 

What is meant by this petition ? 

We pray in this petition, that our heavenly Father 
would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests 
on account of them, for we are not worthy of any- 
thing for which we pray, and have not merited it, 
but that he would grant us all things through grace, 
although we daily commit many sins, and deserve 
chastisement alone. We will therefore, on our part, 
both heartily forgive, and also readily do good to 
those who may injure or offend us. 

185. What are our "trespasses'* ? 

All sins against God and man. 

186. Why must we ask forgiveness of our sin ? 

Because we are not able to atone for our sins, ao r 
not even in eternity. Grace alone covers our guilt. 
The wicked servant, Mat. i8 ; 23 — 35. 

Hymn: Amazing grace! — how sweet the sound. 

187. To what does God's forgiveness obligate us ? 
To forgive them that injure or offend us. 



— 35 — 

188. What is the Sixth Petition? 

And lead us not into temptation. 

What is meant by this petition ? 
God indeed tempts no one to sin, but we pray in 
this petition that God would so guard and preserve 
us, that the devil, the world, and our own flesh may 
not deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief, 
despair, and other great and shameful sins, and that, 
though we may be thus tempted, we may nevertheless 
finally prevail and gain the victory. 

189. What is temptation ? 

Enticement to sin against God. 

190. Who tempts us to sin ? 

Not God, but the devil, the world, and the will 

of our flesh. 

191. How does the devil tempt us ? 

By filling our heart with sinful thoughts. 
Eve, Gen. 3, 1 — 6. Judas, John 13, 1 — 5. 

192. How does the world tempt us ? 
By evil examples and wicked inducements. 

193. How does our flesh tempt us ? 
Through evil lusts and desires. 
James i, 14 — 15: Every man is tempted, when he is drawn 
away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath 
conceived, it bringeth forth sin ; and sin, when it is 
finished, bringeth forth death. 

194. How can we overcome temptation ? 
In the fear of God, by watching and praying. 

Mat. 26, 41 : Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp- 
tation ; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

195. What is the Seventh Petition ? 

But deliver us from evil. 



— 36 — 

What is meant by this petition ? 
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that 
our heavenly Father would, deliver us from all manner 
of evil, whether it affect the body or soul, property 
or character, and, at last, when the hour of death 
shall arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously 
take us from this world of sorrow to Himself in 
heaven. 

196. From what evil is God to deliver us ? 

From all evil that may befall body or soul. 

197. Will we ever be entirely free from all evil ? 
Not in this life. Sickness, pain, and misery, will 
often beset us. 

198. Are such evils of any benefit to us ? 

Yes; they are to chastise, to prove, or to humble 
us, to teach how to pray, and to strengthen our faith. 

Rom. 8, 28: We know that all things work together for good 
to them that love God. 

199. How will God deliver us from evil ? 

God grants us patience in sorrow, strength under 
our burdens, and, finally, a blessed end. 
Rom. 8, 35—39- 

200. What is the Conclusion? 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and 
the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 

What is meant by the word "Amen" ? 

That I should be assured that such petitions are 
acceptable to our heavenly Father, and are heard by 
him, for he himself has commanded us to pray in this 
manner and has promised that he will hear us. Amen, 
Amen, that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so. 



— 37 — 

2oi. Will God grant all our petitions ? 

No, only such as are helpful to us. 

202. Why do we nevertheless conclude with u Amen" ; that is, 
Yea ; yea, it shall be so ? 

Because we know that God means it for our good, 
and that whatever he gives or refuses must serve to 
glorify Him and to save our soul. 
Mat. 6, 8: Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, 

before ye ask him. 
Pray without ceasing, Luk. 18, 1 — 7. Our High Priest's prayer? 
Joh. 17. 

Hymn: Commit thou all thy griefs. 



203. Of What Do the Last Two Parts Treat? 

Of the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the 

Lords' Supper. 

204. What is a sacrament ? 

A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ 

himself. 

205. What do we receive in the sacrament ? 

By means of visible elements we receive invisible 
gifts of grace. 

206. What three parts are essential to a sacrament ? 
The divine institution, the visible elements, and 
the invisible gifts. 

207. How many sacraments has the Lord Jesus instituted ? 
Two; Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 

FIRST: 

208. What is Baptism? 
Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water 
comprehended in God's command, and connected 
with God's word. 



— 38 - 

What is that word of God ? 
It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spake, as 
it is recorded in the last chapter of Matthew, verse 19 : 
"G-o ye, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost." 

209. What is the visible element of Baptism ? 

Water. 

210. What are the invisible gifts ? 

Remission of sin, life, and salvation. 

■ 211. How was Baptism typified in the Old Testament ? 

By circumcision, the deluge, and the passage through 

the Red Sea. 

SECOND: 

212. What gifts or benefits does Baptism 

confer? 

It worketh forgiveness of sins, delivers from 
death and the devil, and confers everlasting sal- 
vation on all who believe, as the word and promise 
of God declare. 

What are such words and promises of God ? 
Those which our Lord Jesus Christ spake, as they 
are recorded in the last chapter of Mark, verse 16 : 
"He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; 
but he that believeth not, shall be damned." 
213. Is Baptism merely the naming of the child, or simply 
the reception into the Church ? 

No, Baptism is necessary to our salvation. 
John 3 ; 5: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 

214. How does Baptism work forgiveness of sin ? 
God no longer condemns the baptized believer on 
account of sin. 



— 39 - 

215. How does Baptism deliver us from the devil ? 

The baptized believers are transferred from the 
kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God. 

216. How does Baptism confer everlasting salvation ? 

The baptized believers have become children of 
God and heirs of eternal life. 

Isa. 43, 1: Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called 
thee by thy name; thou art mine. 

THIRD: 

217. How can water produce such great 

effects? 

It is not the water indeed that produces these 
effects, but the word of God which accompanies 
and is connected with the water, and our faith, 
which relies on the word of God connected with 
the water. For the water, without the word of 
God, is simply water and no baptism. But when 
connected with the word of God, it is a baptism, 
that is, a gracious water of life and a ''washing 
of regeneration" in the Holy Ghost; as St. Paul 
says to Titus, in the third chapter, verses 5—8: 
''According to his mercy he saved us, bf the wash- 
ing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 
which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus 
Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his 
grace, we should be made heirs according to the 
hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying." 



— 40 — 

2i8. Is it essential how much water is used in Baptism ? 
No, not a river nor an ocean of water produces 
any effects, but the word of God, and faith. 
Gal. 3, 26—27: Ye are all the children of God by faith in 
Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized 
into Christ have put on Christ. 
219. Is it essential in what manner Baptism is administered ? 
No, neither immersion, nor pouring, nor sprinkling, 
nor any other mode produces the blessing, but the word 
of God, and faith. FOURTH- 

220. What does such baptizing with water 

signify ? 

It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be 
drowned and destroyed by daily sorrow and repent- 
ance, together with all sins and evil lusts; and 
that again the new man should daily come forth 
and rise, that shall live in the presence of God in 
righteousness and purity for ever. 

Where is it so written ? 
St. Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, 
verse 4, says: "We are buried with Christ by baptism 
into death; that like as he was raised up from the 
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also 
should walk in the newness of life." 

221. What is the old Adam in us ? 
Our sinful nature as inherited from Adam. 

222. What is the new man ? 
The man in whom the image of God is restored, 
who now lives in righteousness and holiness. 

Gal. 5, 16: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust 
of the flesh. 



— 41 — 

223. Who may administer Baptism ? 

The ordained minister. But upon sudden emer- 
gencies also every baptized and confirmed believer. 
(Bapt. upon Emergencies and doctrine of the priesthood of 
believers. 1. Pet. 2, 5. 9.) 

224. Who shall be baptized ? 
All men ; including children. 

225. Why must children be baptized ? 

1. Because they are sinful (original sin), and there- 
fore must be born again. John 3, 5. 

2. The Lord Jesus says : Suffer little children to 
come unto me. Matth. 19, 14. 

3. The Lord Jesus says concerning children that of 
such is the kingdom of heaven. Matth. 19, 14* 

4* The command to baptize all nations, Mat. 28, 
19, includes the children also. 

5* The apostles baptized entire families ; and 
children belong to the family. Acts 2, 39: "The pro- 
mise is unto you, and to your children." 

6. In the Old Testament circumcision was pre- 
scribed for the 8th day, therefore the baptism of children 
must also be right. 

7 # It is certain that from the times of the apostles 
on infant-baptism was in practice in the church. 
The Baptism on Pentecost, Acts 2, 41. The Ethiopian baptized, 
Acts 8, 26 — 40. Cornelius, Acts 10. The jailer, Acts 16, 
2 5— 33. 

226. Was the Lord Jesus himself baptized ? 

Yes, at the age of 30 years, by John the Baptist. 
Mat. 3, 13—17. 



— 42 — 

227. Why was Jesus baptized so late ? 

Because Jesus himself was "to institute christian 
Baptism, as he did shortly before his ascension into 
heaven. 

228. What was done to the child Jesus ? 

The Son of God was circumcised on the eighth day r 
and in this manner God has shown that in the New 
Testament also the little ones should be brought unto 
him. Luc. 2, 21. 

229. What was the baptism of John ? 

No sacrament, but merely a token of repentance. 

230. Why was Jesus baptized by John ? 
Not because Jesus needed repentance and remission 
of sin, but in order to bless our Baptism and to fulfill 
all righteousness. 

231. What is therefore the sin of those that neglect Baptism ? 
They forget the example of the child Jesus, they 
despise the command of the king Jesus, they reject the 
blessings of the Savior Jesus. 

232. Who confesses the faith at the Baptism of a child ? 

The sponsors. 

2 33« What are the duties of sponsors ? 

They are to have the child trained in the confessed 

faith, and in general to watch over the spiritual welfare 

of the child. 

234. Who may be a sponsor ? 

Every baptised and confirmed believer in our church. 

235. Does the child himself ever confess his faith ? 

Yes, at confirmation. 



— 43 — 

236. What is confirmation ? 
It is the renewal of the baptismal covenant on the 
part of the child, and confession of faith. 

237. What does the child do at confirmation ? 
The child publicly confesses his faith, promises to 
be faithful to God and his own church, and vows to live 
as a child of God. 

238. What else is done at confirmation ? 

By laying on of hands the pastor blesses the child 
and the same is thus received into full membership of 
the church. 

239. What privileges are connected with church membership ? 

The right to partake of the Lord's Supper, to act as 
a sponsor, and to share all the blessings of the church. 

240. What are the duties of the confirmed ? 

1. To keep themselves diligently to the word of 
God and the sacraments. 

2. To continue faithful towards the congregation 
and church. 

3. To help to support the church. 

4. To be a willing co-worker in all necessary enter- 
prises of the congregation and the church. (Synod). 
Young People's Societies, Scriptural giving. 

5. In general, to live a life that is pleasing to God. 

Hymns : I am baptized into thy name. — 

Oh, happj day that fixed my choice. 



— 44 — 

241. Of What Dobs the Fifth Part Treat? 

Of the Sacrament of the Altar, also called the Lord's 
Supper, the Table of the Lord, or, Holy Communion. 

FIRST : 

242. What is the Sacrament of the Altar? 

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, under the bread and wine, given to us 
Christians to eat and drink, as it was instituted 
by Christ Himself. 

Where is it so written ? 

The holy evangelists, Matthew, Mark and. Luke, 
together with St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus 
Christ, in the night in which he was betrayed, took 
bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it 
and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is 
my body which is given for you: do this in remem- 
brance of me. Likewise, after supper, he took the 
cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink 
ye all of it; this cup is the New Testament in my 
blood, which is shed for you and for many, for the 
remission of sins: do this, as oft as ye drink it, in 
remembrance of me." 

243. What are the visible elements of the Lord's Supper ? 
Bread and Wine. 

244. What are the invisible gifts ? 

The body and blood of Christ. 

1. Cor. 10, 16: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not 
the communion of the blood of Christ ? The bread which 
we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? 



— 45- 

45- What is the Lutheran and biblical doctrine concerning 
the Lord's Supper ? 

In, with, and under the bread and wine we receive 
the true body and the true blood of Jesus Christ in- 
visibly. 

Mat. 26, 26—28: Take, eat; this is my body. Drink ye all of it; 
this is my blood of new testament. — 1. Cor. n, 23 — 29. 
John 6, 53 — 55. (Catholic and Reformed doctrine.) 

SECOND: 

246. What benefits are derived from such 
eating and drinking? 

They are pointed out in these words: "given, 
and shed for you, for the remission of sins." 
Namely, through these words, the remission of 
sins, life and salvation, are granted unto us in the 
Sacrament. For where there is remission of sins, 
there are also life and salvation. 

247. What does the body and blood of Christ secure to the 

believer ? 

Remission of sins, life and salvation. 

248. Then why are we to go to the Lord's Supper frequently ? 

Because thus the new man within is strengthened, 
our faith increases, and through the indwelling of the 
Lord Jesus true consolation is imparted. (Communion 
of the sick.) 

Rom. 8, 32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him 
up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us 

all things ? 



— 46 — 

249. How can we best praise the Lord Jesus in the Lord's 

Supper ? 

By gratefully remembering his sufferings and death r 
faithfully accepting his salvation, and thereby becoming 
more zealous in his service. 
Luk. 22, 19: This do in remembrance of me. 1. Cor. 11, 261 

As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, je do 

shew the Lord's death till he come. 

250. Do unworthy communicants also receive the body and 

blood of Christ in the Lord's Supper ? 

Yes, but they eat and drink thereby damnation to 

themselves. 

1. Cor. 11, 27. 29: Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink 
this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body 
and blood of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketb 
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not 
discerning the Lord's body. 

THIRD; 

251. How can the bodily eating and drink- 
ing produce such great effects. 

The eating and the drinking, indeed, do not 
produce them, but the words which stand here, 
namely: "given, and shed for you, for the remission 
of sins." These words are, besides the bodily 
eating and drinking, the chief things in the Sacra- 
ment: and he who believes these words, has that 
which they declare and set forlh, namely, the re- 
mission of sins. 

252. How can we receive the Lord's Supper with a blessing ? 
By having firm and living faith in Christ's word and 
promise. 



— 47 - 

253» How may the Lord's Supper become a true communion 

of believers ? 

When the communicants heartily forgive each other 
their offenses, and approach the Lord's Table in 
christian love and fellowship. The proud heart re- 
ceives no blessing. 

i. Pet. 5, 5: God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the 
humble. 

254. Who is not permitted to come to the Lord's Table ? 
All those who live in notorious wickedness and vice ; 
or such as despise the word of God and the Church ; or 
those who are not of our faith. 

255. Is it right to invite members of other denominations to 

our Lord's Supper ? 

No; for perchance they might eat and drink to 
themselves damnation, not discerning the Lord's body. 

256. May a Lutheran christian partake in the communion of 

other denominations ? 



No, because thereby he would deny the body and 
blood of the Lord and therefore eat and drink to himself 
damnation. 

257. Who is admitted to the Lord's Supper ? 

The baptized and confirmed christian who confesses 
our faith and lives a pious life. 

FOURTH: 

258. Who is it, then, that receives this 
Sacrament worthily? 

Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a 
good external discipline; but he is truly worthy 
and well prepared, who believes these words: 



.. 



— 48 — 

"Given, and shed for you, for the remission of 
sins." But he who does not believe these words, 
or who doubts, is unworthy or unfit; for the words: 
For you", require truly believing hearts. 

259. Is external preparation useful ? 
Yes, as far as it promotes edification. 
(Decorum in dress and behavior at Lord's Supper.) 
260. How may we be truly worthy communicants ? 
By coming with a penitent, believing, and loving 
heart. 

261. What must we do before each communion ? 

We must examine ourselves. 
1. Cor. 11, 28: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat 
of that bread, and drink of that cup. 

262. How can we examine ourselves ? 
By praying, and reading the Bible at home ; and in 
the Preparatory Service. 

263. What takes place in the Preparatory Service ? 

1. We confess our sins with a contrite heart ; 

2. Humbly we ask forgiveness ; 

3. We receive God's pardon, (The Office of the 
Keys, John 20, 23, Mat. 18, 18.) 

4. We promise to live a new life with the help of 

God. 

Hymn: According to thy gracious word. 



The Church Year. 

The Church Year commences with the first Sunday 
in Advent, and is divided into the festival period and 
into the period without festivals. 



— 49 — 

I. The Festival Period of the Church 

Year. 

The festival period commences with the first Sunday 
in Advent, and lasts until the festival of the Holy Trinity ; 
this period has three cycles: Christmas, Easter, and 
Pentecost. 

To each of the three festivals belongs the preceding 
(preparatory) season, and the season following (post 
festival) the festival. 

A. THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE. 

1. The Preparatory season of Christmas includes 
the four Sundays in Advent. Advent means the Coming 
of Christ. Christ has a threefold coming : into the flesh ; 
into our heart ; unto the judgement of the world. 

2. The Festival of Christmas is always celebrated 
on December 25th, in memory of the birth of Christ. It 
is an immovable festival, whilst Easter and Pentecost 
are movable festivals, because they do not always occur 
on the same day of the month. 

3. The (Postfestival season of Christmas includes 
New Year's Day and Epiphany. New Year's Day, al- 
ways on January 1st, is the Name's flay of Jesus and 
the festival of Christ's circumcision. Epiphany, or the 
festival of Christ's manifestation occurs on January 6th, 
and has at least one Sunday and not more than six 

Sundavs. 

B. THE EASTER CYCLE. 

1. The Preparatory season of Easter is preceded 
by three Sundays, viz; Septuagesimae, Sexagesimae, 
and Quinquagesimae. The preparatory season com- 



— 50 - 

mences on Ash Wednesday and is called Lent or Passion ; 
it contains six Sundays, viz: 1. Invocavit, 2. Reminis- 
cere, 3. Oculi, 4. Laetare, 5. Judica, 6. Palmarum. 

The Week before Easter is called the Holy Week 
or Passion Week, including Maundy Thursday, in 
memory of the institution of the Lord's supper; and 
Good Friday, in memory of Christ's crucifixion. 

2- Easter, the festival of the Lord's resurrection, is 
always celebrated on the first Sunday after that Full 
Moon which occurs on, or nearest to, March 21st. If 
this Full Moon happens to be on Sunday, then the fol- 
lowing Sunday is Easter. Thus Easter never occurs 
earlier than March 22nd, nor later than April 25th. 

3. The Postfestival season of Easter includes the 
40 (Days of Joy. The Sundays of this time are; 1. 
Quasiinodogeniti, 2. Misericordias Domini, 3. Jubilate, 
4. Cantate, 5. Rogate, 

C. THE PENTECOST CYCLE. 

1. The Preparatory season of Pentecost (Whitsun- 
day) commences 10 days before, namely, on Ascension 
(Day, and is called the Time of Waiting. The Sunday 
before Pentecost is called Exaudi. 

2. The term Pentecost signifies "the 50th" day (after 
Easter), reminding of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

3. The Postfestival season of Pentecost includes the 
Festival of the Holy Trinity. 

II. The Period without Festivals. 

During this whole period no great festivals occur. 
But on October 31st we celebrate the Festival of the 
{Reformation, and the last Sunday of the church year is 



— 51 — 

observed as Memorial Day. (Harvest festival, local 
thanksgiving day for God's blessings. National Memo- 
rial Day, Decoration Day on May 31. National Thanks- 
giving Day on last Thursday of November.) 

The Sundays of this second period are numbered as 
"Sundays after Trinity." There are not less than 22, 
nor more than 27 Sundays, according as to whether 
Easter occurs early or late. 

(Signification of Liturgies, the Pericopes and 
Church-rites.) 

The Lutheran Church. 

i. Since when does the Christian Church exist ? 
Since the Lord Jesus was on earth. 

2. What are the principal divisions of the Christian Church ? 

The Greek-Catholic, the Roman-Catholic, and the 
Protestant Church, 

3. What are the two principal divisions of the Protestant 

Church ? 

The Lutheran and the Reformed Church. 

4. Which is the oldest and largest Protestant Church ? 
The Lutheran Church. 

5. What denominations belong to the Reformed Church ? 
Almost all denominations outside the Lutheran 
Church, as: Baptists, Methodists, Albright-People and 
so forth, also the Presbyterians and Episcopals, all of 
which are, in many respects, closely related to the Re- 
formed Church. 



6. Wherein do all the Reformed and Catholics differ from the 

Lutheran Church ? 

Principally in the doctrine of the Lord's Supper, in 
the doctrine of the Word of God, in the doctrine of Bap- 
tism, and in the doctrine of salvation by faith, 
(The distinguishing doctrines.) 

7. Is it important whether you belong to this Church or an- 

other ? 

Yes, very important, Wedare belong to that Church 
only which teaches us the way of salvation most plainly. 

8. Among all, which Church teaches us the way of salvation 

most plainly ? 
The Lutheran Church. 

9. Why does the Lutheran Church teach us the way of sal- 

vation most plainly ? 

1. The Lutheran Church preaches the word of God 
most purely and allows no false doctrine ; 

2. The Lutheran Church administers the holy 
sacraments most faithfully, and allows no disobedience 
to the command of Christ ; 

3. The Lutheran Church has a firm confession, and 
allows no deviation. 

10. Since when does the Lutheran Church exist ? 
Since the Reformation of the 16th century. 
11. Who commenced the work of the Reformation ? 
Dr. Martin Luther, 

12. When was Luther born ? 
November 10th 1483, at Eisleben, Germany. 
13. Why did Luther commence the Reformation ? 
Because the Church had fallen away from the true 
faith into many errors and abuses. 



— 53 — 

14. What were the most notorious abuses against which Luther 

arose ? 

1. They sold remission of sin for money; (Indul- 
gences). 

2. They worshipped the mother Mary instead of 
Jesus; 

3. They withheld the Word of God from the people. 

15. What did Luther do in order to reform the Church ? 
He published 95 theses against the abuses of the 
Church (Oct. 31st 1517); he translated the Holy Scrip- 
tures into the German language ; he wrote the Larger 
and the Smaller Catechism and many other books ; be 
preached and defended diligently the true doctrine, and 
thus did break the power of the Pope and began the 
Church of the pure word. 

16. Did Luther organize a new Church ? 
No. The Lutheran Church is the Church of Christ 
and the apostles. Luther merely abolished the errors of 
the Roman Church. 

17. How were those called that accepted Luther's doctrine ? 
Protestants, Evangelicals, and Lutherans. 

18. When did the Lutherans publicly confess their faith ? 
June 25th, 1530, at Augsburg, Germany. 

19. What name has that confession ? 
The Augustana, or Augsburg Confession. 

20. Who is the author of that confession ? 
Philip Melanchthon, who was Lu ther's friend and 
co-worker in the Reformation. 

5 



— 54 — 

2i. What other confessional documents are there jet ? 

Besides the Augsburg Confession there are yet the 
Apology,' or defense, of the Augsburg Confession, the 
Smalcald Articles, the Formula of Concord, and the two 
catechisms of Luther. 

22. When did Luther die ? 

On February 18th, 1546. 

23. How large is the Lutheran Church now ? 

The small number of Luther's friends has become a 
Church of 60 millions of souls. 

24. Since when is there a Lutheran Church in America ? 

There were Lutheran congregations in America al- 
ready since the year 1680. The first regular German 
Lutheran pastor in this country was Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg, since 1742. He organized the first Lutheran 
Synod of 7 pastors on August 14th 1748 at Philadel- 
phia, Pa. 

25. How large is the Lutheran Church of America ? 

There are now more than 60 Lutheran Synods in 
this country, with more than 5000 pastors, and more 
than 1J million of confirmed members. 

26. Which among the principal Lutheran Synods of America 

is the oldest ? 

The General Synod, organized 1821. (The Synodi- 
cal Conference, since 1847 ; the General Council, since 
1867; Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania etc., etc.) 

To remember : The Catholic Church is a glorious 
Church, because it advocates chiefly the Law ; the Re- 
formed Church is a more glorious Church, because it 
advocates chiefly the Gospel ; the Lutheran Church is 
the most glorious Church, because it advocates both the 

Law and the Gospel. 

Hymn: A mighty stronghold is our God. 



— 55 — 

Congregation and Synod. 

i. What is a congregation ? 

A body of christians who confess the same doctrine 
and agree upon certain rules in order to serve God in 
common. 

2. What is essential to the real welfare of a congregation ? 

That the word of God and the holy Sacraments be 
diligently administered, in their truth and purity, by an 
ordained pastor ; and that all affairs be conducted in 
christian order, according to the word of God. 

3. Who is a church member ? 
Every one who is baptized -and confirmed in our 
faith and who accepts the constitution of the congregation, 

4. What are the duties of the church member ? 

To live a godly life, to attend divine service dili- 
gently, to help to defray the expenses of the congrega- 
tion as God has blessed him, to assist in all enterprises 
of the church, and when elected to an office to fulfill the 
duties thereof faithfully. 

5. Who are the officers of a congregation ? 

A number of men, elected by the congregation, and 
called the "Church Council" ; the same includes 

1. The Elders, who together with the pastor watch 
over the spiritual affairs of the congregation ; 

2. The (Deacons, who administer the alms, and care 
for the proper order in the house of God during divine 
service; L of c 



— 56 - 

3. The Trustees who have charge of the property 
of the congregation. 

(Besides the congregation has a Treasurer and a Secretary.) 

6. Who may be an officer of a congregation ? 

Every male member in good standing after tli3 age 
of 21 years. 

7. What are the duties of a congregation ? 

1. To hear the word of God diligently, and do it; 

2. To support the minister and teacher of the word 
as God has blessed them ; 

3. To educate the children in School, Sunday- 
School and Catechetical instruction, and to do whatsoever 
is helpful to build God's kingdom in their midst ; 

4. To pray, to work, and to give, that the kingdom 
of God be preached to all the world. 

8. How can this be best accomplished ? 
By uniting with a Lutheran Synod. 

9. What is a Synod ? 

A union of congregations and ministers of the same 
faith for united work. 

10. Is a congregation compelled to belong to a Synod ? 

No, it is a matter of free will. But synodical mem- 
bership is desirable and beneficial. 

11. Why is it beneficial ? 

1 . In unity is strength ; the Church work at large 
can be done with greater efficiency ; 



— 57 — 

2. Christian fellowship is promoted ; 

3. A beneficial order is maintained among congre- 
gations and pastors, false prophets are guarded against, 
and disorder in general prevented. 

r2. What is the chief aim of the Synod ? 
To build up the kingdom of God. 

13. In what manner is this done ? 
Through the different Boards elected and controlled 
by the members of Synod. 

14. What are the principal Boards ? 

The Board of Home Mission, the Board of Foreign 
Mission, of Church-Extension, and of Education. 

15. What is Home Mission ? 

The work among the scattered brethren of our own 
faith in our own country, in order to provide them with 
the word of God. 

16. What is Foreign Mission ? 

The work among the heathen in order to bring them 
to Jesus. 

17. What is meant by Church Extension ? 

The aiding of poor congregations to build then 
house of worship. 

18. What is meant by Education ? 

1. In particular : the training of ministers in our 
seminaries, by the free will offerings of the christians ; 

2. In general: The christian training of young 
people in Lutheran Schools and institutions. 



— 58 — 
19. What other works must also be done ? 

1. The deaconess work or the training of pious 
young women for the service of the poor and the sick ; 

2. The support of orphans and of aged ministers; 
and other beneficial enterprises, 

20. How can the different Boards do their work ? 

Only when aided by the prayers, the good 
will, and the free will offerings and legacies, of the church 
members. 

21. What other special institutions has a Synod ? 

1. Church Papers which tell of the trials and vic- 
tories of the Church. 

2. Publications in general to spread christian litera- 
ture and Lutheran Doctrine ; 

3. Schools, Colleges, Seminaries and other insti- 
tutions in order to educate the young according to the 
word of God. 

(Explain the history, work, and institutionsetc.of the own Synod.) 




n 



— 59 — 

Prayer at the beginning of Instruction. 

i. My God, accept my heart this day, 
And make it always Thine, 
That I from Thee no more may stray, 
No more from Thee decline. 

2. Before the Cross of Him who died, 
Behold, I prostrate fall; 

Let every sin be crucified, 
Let Christ be all in all. 

3. Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace, 
Adopt me for Thine own; 

That I may see Thy glorious face, 
And worship at Thy throne. 

4. Let every thought, and work, and word, 
To Thee be ever given ; 

Then life shall be Thy service, Lord, 
And death the gate of heaven. Amen. 



Prayer at the close of Instruction. 

1. Abide with us, our Saviour, nor let Thy mercy cease; 
From Satan's might defend us, and grant our souls release. 

2. Abide with us, our Savior, sustain us by Thy Word, 

That we with all Thy people to life may be restored. Amen. 

Then all join in the Lord's Prayer, and finally: 

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress; 
In these I will, without to fear, before my God in heaven appear. Amen. 



Prayer at Meals. 

Come now, Lord Jesus, be Thou our guest, 
Let these Thy gifts, and us, be blest. Amen. 



